On this Resurrection Sunday we begin to examine Luke's gospel in a very unusual place. The Roman soldiers are nailing a sign on the cross where Jesus has been crucified. The sign reads, "King of the Jews"  On either side of Jesus is crucified a criminal sentenced to die. It is here that we discover a microcosm of humanity. One criminal did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The other may not have started out believing Jesus was the Messiah, but as he neared death his heart softened. God is looking for those whose hearts can still soften. Lastly, we look at that first Resurrection Morning at a Vital Truth that each of us make a decision about--just as the two criminals that were crucified with Jesus. 
 

In the account of the good Samaritan we rarely hear the real reason Jesus replied the way he did to the expert in the Law. Jesus is trying to get us away from looking at our performance and to surrender to Him and the demonstration He would perform on a cruel cross. Researchers and Gallup polls all point to the fact that 90 percent of people believe that they are very loving people. However, what we discover from this narrative is that we do not love as well as we believe we do. This is the major point of this account. Jesus on the other hand wants us to begin to learn to love like  He loves. 

Today, we take another look at being transformed by the renewing of our mind and heart. We examine some of C. S. Lewis's more iconic writings and implement them into this transformational process that all believers experience. God wants to transform us into the image of HIS Son. However, just as God had to transform the nation of Israel through the wilderness, so we see God doing the same to those who have accepted Him as Lord. Moses led former slaves to freedom; God must also lead us out of bondage as well and transform us from the mentality of former slaves to adopted sons and daughters of God.

The old song goes, "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back." Colin & Cora  Dorsey are young Missionaries who are going to the European Country of Luxembourg. Colin shares his heart and a very good word of encouragement about faith and what God can do; If we will just say, "Yes" to Jesus. 

Today, we read from Romans 8:28-30. It is there that we see according to the New Century Version an overall view of what the Lord wants us to concentrate on, as we walk toward the Goal of our Faith. God knew them before he made the world, and he chose them to be like his Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters. God planned for them to be like his Son; and those he planned to be like his Son, he also called; and those he called, he also made right with him..."  
God chose them, God planned for them, he also called them and made them right with him. God has done much in the transformation process. We should give God enough time to transform us into the image of His Son.

Today, we continue in our series, "Foundations" Speaking about Baptism. Why do we practice Baptism? What is it? Who should be baptized?

Today is the first installment of a sermon series that we are doing entitled, "Foundations of the Christian Faith." Today, we start at the beginning. What happens when someone gives their life to Jesus Christ? What takes place? How does one explain to others what God does at the very point where someone surrenders their life to Jesus, and accepts the free gift of God. What can we expect when someone surrenders their life to Jesus? 

There is very few true mysteries as the Incarnation of Christ. As we examine the gospel according to John we come to some very powerful declarations made by John who has had a lifetime to reflect on exactly who Jesus was. By understanding what John is trying to communicate we find ourselves realizing that in our own merits we could never approach a holy God without fear. The good news of the gospel is we do not enter in our own holiness but by the Lord's holiness.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the most important task we have is to come to know the Christ. Paul encourages his readers by his example to continue growing in the Lord. To know the Christ and his resurrected power, to share in His sufferings, to die to yourself and to obtain the resurrection of the dead. We also examine the reasons why we don't come closer to the Lord. 

In the conclusion of the series entitled, "The Curious Case of Sowing and Reaping" the Apostle Paul encourages the church and  reminding them that we should never grow weary in doing good--for we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Every Christ follower is in a race, and there will be times when all of us will at some point feel weary...but Paul identifies that time as the time to hang in there and not give up.